10713641

System and Method for Implementing a Digital Tipping Application on a Mobile Device

PublishedJuly 14, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
18 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A mobile device that enables a user to send a digital tip to a recipient as a standalone transaction, the mobile device comprising: a memory that stores data associated with an account and a user; a processor, executing a mobile application, the processor coupled to memory and programmed to: detect a geofence, the boundaries of which, are created based on a service provider's mobile device; identify whether the mobile device of the user is near the service provider's mobile device based on the mobile device of the user crossing the geofence; display a prompt on the mobile device of the user to send a tip to the service provider's mobile device, directly responsive to the user's mobile device leaving the geofence associated with the service provider's mobile device and further in response to a prior service interaction where the service provider is a person who provides a service to the user and where the prior service interaction is not directly related to any prior underlying monetary transaction; identify a tip amount for the tip; transmit, via a first wireless communication network, a tip message to the service provider's mobile device informing the service provider of the tip; and debit, via a second network, the tip amount from an account associated with the user.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a mobile device system for enabling users to send digital tips to service providers as standalone transactions, addressing the problem of facilitating convenient, location-based tipping without requiring prior monetary transactions. The system includes a user's mobile device with a memory storing account and user data, and a processor executing a mobile application. The processor detects a geofence created around a service provider's mobile device and identifies when the user's device crosses the geofence, indicating proximity to the service provider. Upon leaving the geofence, the system displays a prompt to send a tip, triggered by a prior service interaction where the provider offered a service unrelated to any prior payment. The user selects a tip amount, and the device transmits a tip message to the provider's device via a first wireless network while debiting the amount from the user's account via a second network. The system ensures seamless, context-aware tipping for services like deliveries, personal assistance, or other interactions where traditional payment methods are impractical. The geofence-based approach automates the tipping process, reducing friction and improving user experience.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The user's mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the prompt comprises an identifier associated with the user.

Plain English Translation

A system for mobile device authentication and user identification involves a mobile device configured to receive a prompt from a remote server. The prompt includes an identifier associated with the user, such as a username, account number, or unique token, to verify the user's identity during authentication processes. The mobile device processes the prompt and may display or use the identifier to confirm the user's access rights or transaction validity. This system enhances security by ensuring that authentication requests are tied to a specific user, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or fraud. The identifier can be dynamically generated or pre-assigned, depending on the security protocol in use. The mobile device may also validate the prompt against stored user credentials or biometric data to further authenticate the user. This approach is particularly useful in financial transactions, secure logins, or multi-factor authentication scenarios where user-specific verification is required. The system improves upon traditional methods by integrating user-specific identifiers directly into the authentication prompt, streamlining the verification process while maintaining high security standards.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The user's mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the tip message from the user is automatically deleted after a predetermined time period of 10 to 60 seconds.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a mobile device system designed to enhance user privacy by automatically deleting tip messages after a short, predetermined time period. The system addresses the problem of sensitive or temporary information being retained on mobile devices, which can pose privacy and security risks. The mobile device includes a messaging application that allows users to send and receive tip messages, which are brief, time-sensitive communications. These messages are automatically deleted from both the sender's and recipient's devices after a set duration, ranging from 10 to 60 seconds. The deletion process ensures that the messages are not stored long-term, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data leaks. The system may also include features to notify users when a message is about to be deleted, allowing them to extend the viewing time if needed. The automatic deletion mechanism is integrated into the messaging application, ensuring seamless operation without requiring additional user intervention. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where confidentiality is critical, such as in business communications or personal exchanges involving sensitive information. The invention provides a balance between usability and privacy, ensuring that temporary messages are accessible when needed but do not persist unnecessarily.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The user's mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the prior service interaction comprises a service that does not include a monetary transaction.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for enhancing user interactions with mobile devices involves tracking and analyzing prior service interactions to improve future service experiences. The technology addresses the challenge of providing personalized and efficient services by leveraging historical data from non-monetary service interactions, such as customer support inquiries, account management, or other service-related activities. The mobile device collects and processes this data to identify patterns, preferences, or issues, enabling the system to anticipate user needs and streamline service delivery. By focusing on non-monetary interactions, the system ensures that a broader range of user behaviors and preferences are considered, leading to more comprehensive and relevant service enhancements. The mobile device may use this data to suggest proactive actions, optimize service workflows, or tailor recommendations, ultimately improving user satisfaction and operational efficiency. The system may also integrate with backend service platforms to ensure seamless data exchange and real-time updates, allowing for continuous improvement of service interactions. This approach ensures that users receive more intuitive and responsive service experiences without requiring explicit monetary transactions.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The user's mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the geofence comprises a boundary around a service provider.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing mobile device interactions with service providers using geofencing technology. The invention addresses the need for automated, location-based services that enhance user convenience and service provider engagement. The system includes a mobile device equipped with location tracking capabilities, such as GPS, to monitor the device's position relative to predefined geofences. A geofence is a virtual boundary around a service provider's location, such as a store, restaurant, or office. When the mobile device enters or exits the geofence, the system triggers predefined actions, such as sending notifications, unlocking digital coupons, or initiating service requests. The system may also collect and analyze location data to optimize service delivery, improve user experience, and provide insights to service providers. The geofence boundary can be dynamically adjusted based on factors like user preferences, service availability, or real-time conditions. The invention ensures seamless interaction between users and service providers by automating location-based services, reducing manual input, and enhancing engagement through timely, context-aware actions.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The user's mobile device of claim 1 , wherein an electronic acknowledgement is received from the service provider.

Plain English Translation

A mobile device system enables secure and efficient transactions between a user and a service provider. The system addresses challenges in verifying transaction authenticity and ensuring secure communication between parties. The mobile device includes a processor, memory, and a communication interface to transmit transaction requests to a service provider. The service provider processes the request and generates an electronic acknowledgement, which is sent back to the mobile device. This acknowledgement confirms the transaction's validity and completion. The mobile device displays the acknowledgement to the user, providing real-time feedback. The system may also include encryption protocols to secure data transmission and authentication mechanisms to verify the identities of both the user and the service provider. The electronic acknowledgement may contain details such as transaction status, timestamps, or unique identifiers to ensure traceability. This system enhances transaction security, reduces fraud risks, and improves user trust in digital transactions.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The user's mobile device of claim 6 , wherein the electronic acknowledgement comprises a thank you message from the service provider.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for enhancing user interaction with a service provider via a mobile device. The mobile device is configured to receive a service request from a user and transmit the request to a service provider. Upon receiving the service request, the service provider processes the request and generates an electronic acknowledgement. The mobile device then receives and displays this acknowledgement to the user. The electronic acknowledgement includes a thank you message from the service provider, acknowledging the user's request and providing confirmation of receipt. The mobile device may also be configured to receive additional information related to the service request, such as status updates or estimated completion times, and display this information to the user. The system ensures timely communication between the user and the service provider, improving user experience by providing immediate feedback and transparency in service processing. The mobile device may further include a user interface for submitting additional requests or modifying existing ones, allowing for seamless interaction throughout the service lifecycle. The system is particularly useful in service-based industries where real-time updates and acknowledgements enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The user's mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the amount of the tip is predetermined.

Plain English Translation

A mobile payment system enables users to send monetary tips to service providers via a mobile device. The system addresses the need for convenient, digital tipping solutions that eliminate the reliance on physical cash or manual entry of tip amounts. The mobile device includes a payment application that processes transactions, including tipping functionality. The tip amount is predetermined, meaning it is set in advance rather than requiring the user to input a value during the transaction. This predetermined tip amount may be a fixed value or a percentage of the total payment, ensuring consistency and reducing user effort. The system may also include features such as automatic tip calculation, customizable default tip settings, and integration with loyalty programs or service provider accounts. The predetermined tip feature streamlines the tipping process, enhancing user experience and encouraging digital payments. The system may further include security measures to protect transaction data and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The user's mobile device of claim 1 , wherein the amount of the tip is user defined.

Plain English Translation

A mobile payment system enables users to make transactions using their mobile devices. The system addresses the need for convenient, secure, and flexible payment methods, particularly in scenarios where traditional payment methods like cash or cards are impractical. The mobile device includes a payment application that processes transactions by communicating with a payment server. The system supports various payment methods, including contactless payments, QR code scanning, and near-field communication (NFC). One key feature is the ability to customize the tip amount during a transaction. Users can manually enter a specific tip value, allowing for precise control over payment details. This flexibility ensures that users can adjust the tip based on service quality, personal preference, or other factors. The system also includes security measures such as encryption and authentication to protect transaction data. The mobile device may also integrate with other features like loyalty programs or transaction history tracking. The overall system provides a seamless and user-friendly payment experience while offering customization options to enhance usability.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing program instructions for enabling a user to send a digital tip to a recipient as a standalone transaction, wherein execution of the program instructions by one or more processors of a computer system causes the one or more processors to carry out the steps of: detect a geofence, the boundaries of which, are created based on a service provider's mobile device; identify whether a mobile device of the user is near the service provider's mobile device based on the mobile device of the user crossing on the geofence; display a prompt on the mobile device of the user to send a tip to the service provider's mobile device, directly responsive to the user's mobile device leaving the geofence associated with the service provider's mobile device and further in response to a prior service interaction where the service provider is a person who provides a service to the user and where the prior service interaction is not directly related to any prior underlying monetary transaction; identify a tip amount for the tip; transmit, via a first wireless communication network, a tip message to the service provider's mobile device informing the service provider of the tip; and debit, via a second network, the tip amount from an account associated with the user.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a digital tipping system that enables users to send standalone tips to service providers via mobile devices. The system addresses the problem of facilitating spontaneous, location-based tipping for services where traditional payment methods are impractical or unnecessary, such as when a service interaction lacks a direct monetary transaction (e.g., a haircut, delivery, or personal assistance). The system uses geofencing to detect proximity between a user's mobile device and a service provider's device. When the user's device exits a geofence dynamically created around the service provider's device, the system prompts the user to send a tip. The tip amount is selected by the user, and the system transmits a notification to the service provider while processing the debit from the user's account. The invention ensures seamless, context-aware tipping without requiring prior payment integration, enhancing convenience for both users and service providers. The system operates across separate wireless networks for communication and financial transactions, ensuring reliability and security.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The non-transitory computer readable medium device of claim 10 , wherein the prompt comprises an identifier associated with the user.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a system for generating and managing user-specific prompts in a computer-implemented environment. The problem addressed is the need to personalize interactions within digital systems by associating user-specific identifiers with prompts, ensuring tailored and contextually relevant responses. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to generate a prompt for a user interface. The prompt includes an identifier linked to the user, enabling the system to recognize and adapt to individual user preferences, behaviors, or historical data. This identifier can be used to customize the prompt's content, format, or delivery method based on the user's profile or past interactions. The system may also validate the identifier to ensure accuracy and security, preventing unauthorized access or misuse. By integrating user-specific identifiers into prompts, the invention enhances user experience, improves system efficiency, and ensures personalized engagement in digital applications. The solution is particularly useful in applications requiring adaptive user interfaces, such as virtual assistants, recommendation systems, or personalized content delivery platforms.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the tip message from the user is automatically deleted after a predetermined time period of 10 to 60 seconds.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing temporary messages in a digital communication platform, specifically addressing the need for secure, time-limited message transmission to prevent unauthorized access or retention. The system involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, enable a user to send a tip message to a recipient. The tip message is automatically deleted from the recipient's device after a predetermined time period ranging from 10 to 60 seconds, ensuring the message is not permanently stored. The system may also include a user interface for composing and sending the tip message, as well as a notification mechanism to alert the recipient of the incoming message. The deletion process is automated and irreversible, enhancing privacy and security by preventing the message from being accessed beyond the specified time frame. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where sensitive or time-sensitive information must be shared without leaving a permanent digital footprint. The system may also include additional features such as encryption to further secure the message during transmission and storage.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the prior service interaction comprises a service that does not include a monetary transaction.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for analyzing customer service interactions to improve service quality and efficiency. The technology addresses the challenge of extracting meaningful insights from service interactions, particularly those that do not involve monetary transactions, to enhance customer satisfaction and operational performance. The system processes service interactions, such as customer support calls, chats, or emails, to identify patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. It includes a data processing module that analyzes interaction data, including text, audio, or metadata, to detect key topics, sentiment, and resolution effectiveness. The system also categorizes interactions based on service type, customer needs, and outcomes, enabling businesses to optimize service delivery. A reporting module generates actionable insights, such as common issues, response times, and agent performance, to guide decision-making. The invention specifically focuses on non-monetary service interactions, such as technical support, inquiries, or feedback, which are often overlooked but critical for customer retention and satisfaction. By leveraging machine learning and natural language processing, the system automates the analysis of large volumes of interaction data, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy. The solution helps businesses identify recurring problems, refine service protocols, and enhance agent training, ultimately leading to a more efficient and customer-centric service experience.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the geofence comprises a boundary around a service provider.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing geofence-based service access involves defining a virtual boundary (geofence) around a service provider's location to control access to services or data. The geofence is dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions, such as network performance, user demand, or security threats, to optimize service delivery. The system monitors devices within the geofence and applies access rules, such as granting or restricting permissions, based on predefined criteria. The geofence can be circular, polygonal, or irregularly shaped, and its size and position may be modified automatically or manually. The system also includes a user interface for visualizing the geofence and adjusting its parameters. This approach ensures efficient resource allocation, enhances security, and improves service reliability by dynamically adapting to changing conditions within the defined boundary. The invention is particularly useful in scenarios where location-based access control is critical, such as in telecommunications, IoT networks, or enterprise security systems.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein an electronic acknowledgement is received from the service provider.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing service provider interactions involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions for processing service requests. The system receives a service request from a user, validates the request, and transmits it to a service provider. The service provider processes the request and generates an electronic acknowledgement confirming receipt or completion. The system then receives this acknowledgement and updates the user's status accordingly. The method ensures secure and efficient communication between users and service providers, reducing manual verification steps and improving response times. The system may also include encryption for data transmission and authentication mechanisms to verify user and provider identities. The electronic acknowledgement serves as a digital record, eliminating the need for paper-based confirmations and streamlining administrative processes. This approach enhances transparency and reliability in service delivery, particularly in industries requiring formal documentation, such as healthcare, finance, or logistics. The system may further integrate with existing databases to retrieve user or service provider details, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information throughout the transaction. The electronic acknowledgement can include timestamps, unique identifiers, and digital signatures to ensure authenticity and traceability.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the electronic acknowledgement comprises a thank you message from the service provider.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to systems for generating and transmitting electronic acknowledgements in response to user interactions with a service provider. The problem addressed is the lack of personalized or automated confirmation messages that enhance user experience and engagement. The solution involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions for a computing device to receive a user interaction, such as a request or transaction, and generate an electronic acknowledgement in response. The acknowledgement includes a thank you message from the service provider, which may be customized based on the interaction type or user preferences. The system ensures timely delivery of the acknowledgement to the user via a communication channel, such as email or SMS, improving user satisfaction and service provider credibility. The instructions may also include logic to track user interactions, analyze engagement metrics, and refine future acknowledgements based on historical data. The system supports integration with existing service provider platforms, allowing seamless adoption without significant infrastructure changes. The invention aims to automate and personalize user communications, reducing manual effort while enhancing customer relationships.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the amount of the tip is predetermined.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for processing financial transactions, particularly for determining and distributing tips in a payment environment. The invention addresses the inefficiency and inconsistency in traditional tipping methods, where manual calculations or arbitrary decisions by customers can lead to errors or dissatisfaction. The system automates the tipping process by calculating and distributing tips based on predefined criteria, ensuring fairness and accuracy. The system includes a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, perform operations such as receiving transaction data, determining a tip amount, and distributing the tip to one or more recipients. The tip amount is predetermined, meaning it is set in advance based on factors such as service quality, transaction size, or other predefined rules. This eliminates the need for manual input or guesswork, reducing errors and improving customer and service provider satisfaction. The system may also include features for adjusting the tip amount based on additional data, such as customer feedback or historical transaction patterns, while still maintaining the predetermined nature of the base tip. The distribution of the tip can be split among multiple recipients, such as employees or service providers, according to predefined allocation rules. The invention ensures transparency and consistency in tipping, enhancing the overall payment experience.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 10 , wherein the amount of the tip is user defined.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for digital tipping involves a computer-implemented process that enables users to provide monetary tips to service providers or content creators through a digital platform. The system processes payment transactions, calculates tip amounts, and distributes funds to recipients. A key feature is the ability for users to define the tip amount, allowing flexibility in determining the value of the tip based on personal preference or service quality. The system may also include user interfaces for selecting recipients, specifying tip amounts, and confirming transactions. Additionally, the system may integrate with payment processing services to facilitate secure and efficient fund transfers. The invention addresses the need for a streamlined digital tipping solution that provides users with control over tip amounts while ensuring seamless transactions for both tippers and recipients. The user-defined tip feature enhances customization, allowing users to adjust the tip value according to their discretion, improving the overall tipping experience. The system may also include validation mechanisms to ensure the specified tip amount meets any minimum or maximum thresholds set by the platform or payment processor.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

July 14, 2020

Inventors

Lionel NICOLAU
Ajinkya P. JOGLEKAR
Manning R. FIELD

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